Canvas training

In 2026, Stockholm University will replace its current learning platform Athena with Canvas. From the autumn semester 2026, all courses will be delivered in Canvas. Teachers and course administrators therefore need to learn how to use Canvas during spring 2026. Here you will find everything you need to get started and work in the new learning platform.

Different ways to learn

There is a wide range of Canvas support available, including a combination of instructor-led training, quick guides and self-study material. This includes both scheduled sessions that you book in advance and asynchronous learning that is available at any time.

Support is divided into the following main categories:

• Digital quick guides with clear and simple instructions on how to work in Canvas
  
• A digital self-study course to help you get started with Canvas (approx. 2–4 hours)
  
• Instructor-led introductory training “Getting started with Canvas at SU” (via Zoom, 2 hours)
  
• An introduction for departmental administrators in Canvas at SU (via Zoom, 1.5 hours)
  
• Canvas Coaches who provide local support within each department
  
• Digital Canvas drop-in sessions for support
  
• Support via Serviceportalen
  

As the Canvas implementation progresses at the university, additional thematic workshops will also be offered. These may include topics such as groups, the gradebook and other Canvas features.

Digital self-study material – always available

If you prefer to learn Canvas independently or revisit the material, there is digital self-study content available.

Quick guides

Canvas contains a collection of quick guides – simple and clear instructions showing how to work efficiently in Canvas. The guides are organised by theme and are intended for both teachers and administrators.

Digital introductory course

The digital introductory course explains the basics of using Canvas and covers similar content to the introductory training session “Getting started with Canvas at SU”.

The course can be used either as a standalone introduction or for revision.
The content has been developed for Swedish higher education institutions but is not specifically tailored to Stockholm University. Some parts may therefore need to be supplemented with the university’s own quick guides that explain how Canvas is used locally. The course has been developed in collaboration with several Swedish universities through the SALSA network.

Your own Sandbox course in Canvas

When you log in to Canvas as a member of staff, you will find a course called “Sandbox” on your Canvas dashboard.
The Sandbox is your personal test course where you can experiment with features and create learning modules while learning how Canvas works.

At any time you can:

• reset the content in your Sandbox
  
• copy all or parts of the content to another course in Canvas.
  

Introductory training: “Getting started with Canvas at SU”

This is a voluntary, practical introductory course for teachers and administrators who work with Canvas at Stockholm University.
During the training you will learn how to build a course from scratch and how to use the most common functions. After completing the training, you will be able to:

• structure a course thematically or chronologically
  
• create and assess assignments.
  

The training is online and instructor-led via Zoom, with bookable sessions.

Introduction for departmental Canvas administrators

This course is only given in Swedish. Contact canvas@su.se if you need to learn this in English.

This practical introductory training is aimed at those who act as departmental administrators for Canvas.
The training covers procedures for managing the department’s course spaces in Canvas and how to:

• assign staff access and course roles
  
• manage joint teaching arrangements
  
• administer sub-courses and programmes.
  

The course is online and instructor-led via Zoom, with sessions available from February when Canvas becomes available to staff.

Canvas Coaches – local support within departments

In addition to central support, around 100 locally appointed Canvas Coaches provide support within departments, with at least one coach per department.

Canvas Coaches coordinate the transition to Canvas locally and act as a practical resource for colleagues who have questions about the platform.
If you are unsure who the Canvas Coach is in your department, contact your Head of Department or Director of Studies.

Canvas drop-in sessions

During the rollout of Canvas at Stockholm University, staff can also receive support through open Zoom sessions.
You can join when a Canvas drop-in session is running and receive practical help with Canvas-related questions.

When joining the Zoom meeting:

1. Raise your virtual hand to join the queue.
   
2. When it is your turn, you will be moved to a breakout room to receive assistance.
   

Examples of questions you can ask:

• How can I make my course more interactive?
  
• Students cannot see a video – what should I do?
• Which tools are available to make learning materials accessible?

See all the dates for Canvas drop-in sessions

Support via Serviceportalen

If you have questions about how Canvas works or need to report a problem, you can always contact support through Serviceportalen
Search for “Canvas” to find the correct form.

More information about the Canvas implementation

You can find more information and answers to frequently asked questions on the Canvas project page